Google's Android XR initiative just got a major boost in public visibility, and I had the chance to witness a key moment in its development. At TED2025 in Vancouver, Shahram Izadi, head of Android XR, didn’t just talk about the future—he wore it. Literally.
First Look at Google’s Android XR Glasses in Public
For those of us following Google’s XR journey, it was surreal to see the company’s prototype XR glasses finally get face time in front of a large audience. Shahram Izadi delivered his talk on Android XR while wearing the prototype glasses, and unless you knew what to look for, you'd barely notice them. That’s how sleek the design has become.
Although we previously saw renders and private demos, this was one of the first times the glasses were worn in such a public setting. It was subtle, but extremely impactful. These glasses aren’t just a concept anymore—they’re being lived in, in real time.
Gemini AI in Action on XR Glasses
What impressed me most during the demo wasn’t just the hardware—it was the intelligence behind it. Gemini AI integration brought the glasses to life with a few powerful use cases. In one demo, the glasses translated Farsi to English in real time. In another, image recognition was shown in a seamless way, tying visual input directly to helpful contextual information.
It’s clear that Gemini is playing a central role in how Google wants us to interact with the world using these XR glasses. And from what I saw, it’s not just talk—this is already working in real-world scenarios.
Android Device Integration and AI-Powered Features
Another exciting part of the demo was how these XR glasses sync with Android smartphones. I saw firsthand how they enhance everyday use, turning standard interactions into immersive, contextual experiences. Whether it was receiving notifications, navigation prompts, or camera input for real-time visual analysis, it all felt intuitive.
These glasses aren’t aiming to replace your phone—but rather to extend it into the physical world, powered by Android and made smarter through Gemini AI.
Samsung’s XR Headset Also Shown
While Google leaned into the glasses form factor, Samsung’s competing XR product—what we know as the Project Moohan headset—was also demoed at TED2025. Samsung showcased some impressive features as well, including multiple-window multitasking and VR video playback. The design echoes Apple’s Vision Pro, but leans into Android-native capabilities, giving us another angle on what XR means in the Android ecosystem.
No Release Date Yet, But Momentum is Building
Unfortunately, no official release dates were shared at TED2025, either for Google’s XR glasses or Samsung’s XR headset. That said, seeing these products demoed live on stage gives me confidence that we’re inching closer to a consumer-ready launch.
Whether it happens in late 2025 or slips into 2026, one thing’s clear—Android XR isn’t just a buzzword. It’s real, it’s happening, and both Google and Samsung are serious about delivering next-gen AI-enhanced XR experiences.
I’ve been following Google’s XR efforts closely, and TED2025 marks a turning point. To see Shahram Izadi walk on stage with functioning, AI-powered glasses and not just talk about XR but live it—that’s a statement. Android XR is no longer conceptual; it’s tangible, powerful, and almost ready for prime time.
As someone who’s passionate about wearable tech, I’m genuinely excited for what’s ahead. Whether it’s seamless translation, contextual visual feedback, or tight Android integration, Google’s XR glasses are shaping up to be one of the most impactful tech releases of the next few years.
Stay tuned—I’ll be covering every development as this story unfolds.
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